About Us
Canadian Antisemitism Education Foundation (CAEF) is a registered Canadian charitable organization, incorporated in 2004, and operated as Speakers Action Group until 2019. For two decades, CAEF has provided Canadians with programs to bridge understanding across ethno-racial and faith communities, to see the humanity in all, and to confront discrimination, including racism and antisemitism.
Today, there is a new form of antisemitism in many countries and it is well documented in the language of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)'s working definition of antisemitism. The new definition points to the double standard being applied to Israel alone among all the nations of the world -- judging everything the Jewish country does through a distorted prism. Antisemites try to demonize Israel with false claims of apartheid, when in fact it is the only country in the Middle East and North Africa, Iran included, in which women, gays, and minorities are equal before the law, have equal rights of citizenship and are represented in all aspects of society.
The denigration and de-legitimization of Israel and Israelis follows the pattern invoked by the Nazis in Germany, which they spread across the countries they conquered: first denigrate with words, then isolate and delegitimize, and finally destroy. Well, Israel will not be isolated or destroyed, and the words used by our enemies will be countered with facts and with truth.
Mission Statement
Fighting antisemitism (Jew hatred) with education, interfaith relations, and advocacy is the hallmark of the Canadian Antisemitism Education Foundation (CAEF).
CAEF works with allies in all communities, which respect freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the rule of law, and everyone’s rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, to end discrimination, racism, and Jew hatred wherever it occurs.
CAEF exposes the dangers of AntiZionism which are Antisemitism, promotes Jewish Rights to the Land of Israel, and Debunks the many Palestinian Arab Lies.
CAEF provides educational lectures, panel discussions, seminars and conferences, often in partnership with other organizations. During the pandemic virtual webinars have been presented featuring experts on many topics of related to antisemitism, Israel, Black-Jewish relations, Muslim-Jewish relations, Jewish Heritage, Western values, and more. All webinar videos as well as previously recorded programs are available on our website.
Internationally recognized experts have included Melanie Philips, Dr. Mordechai Kedar, Dr. Jacques Gauthier, The Honourable Irwin Cotler, Dr. Martin Sherman, Leo Adler, Dr. Salim Mansur, Raheel Raza, Dr. Asaf Romirowsky, Gerard Filitti, Brooke Goldstein, Philippe Karsenty, Sacha Roytman-Dratwa, David Lange, and more.
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CAEF responds to current events, and celebrates Israel and the Zionist project.
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CAEF comments on issues of today affecting the Jewish people and the State of Israel, and produces regular Bulletins to share with subscribers, donors and friends. Bulletins and other information are posted on our website.
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CAEF advocates for truth and fairness in responding to information about Israel in policies of governments and in the public square. From time to time, CAEF may issue a petition to bring an issue forward. We remain non-partisan.
The CAEF organization is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors which develops and promotes strategies to combat antisemitism and racism, enhance cross-cultural awareness and build effective coalitions for action.
Shirley Anne Haber, Founder and Board Advisor
Founding President of Canadian Antisemitism Education Foundation and a former teacher, Shirley Anne Haber has worked to combat anti-Semitism and gain support for Israel at a time when increasing Jew-hatred was on the rise. Appalled by the Arab terror attacks against Israel during the Second Intifada on the eve of Rosh Hashanah September 2000, Shirley Anne founded The Media Action Group to fight the misinformation in the media through letter writing campaigns to media and government. She founded CAEF in 2004 to educate the community with facts and knowledge to be more effective in fighting antisemitism and anti-Zionism under the name, The Speakers Action Group, which hosted a roster of knowledgeable speakers on critical topics. Shirley Anne has been honoured and received many awards for her efforts. She continues to be actively involved as an Advisor to the organization.
Anita Bromberg, President
Anita Bromberg is a lawyer, and member of the Ontario bar. She is a frequent spokesperson, lecturer, trainer and media representative on topical issues related to racialized communities. A court recognized expert on racism and extremism, she has also instituted and participated in numerous intercultural outreach and educational initiatives.
Anita is presently the Executive Director of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, a Canadian Crown Agency dedicated to eliminating racism and maintaining harmonious relations across diverse communities. Previously, she was the National Director of Legal Affairs for B'nai Brith Canada and human rights coordinator for their League of Human Rights, responsible for the legal initiatives of the organization’s advocacy efforts and for the operation of B’nai Brith’s Anti-Hate Hotline and its annual report on racism.
Anita also served on the advisory cabinet of Faith Canada150 cabinet which celebrated the multitude of religious traditions that have contributed to Canada.
Irving Weisdorf, Past President
Irving is a graduate in Political Science and Economics from the University of Toronto. His studies took him to both France and Mexico, following which he spent three years in Israel. On return to Canada he started his own business, but maintained his connections with and love for Israel.
Since becoming increasingly concerned about negative public opinion bashing Israel, Irving took on many initiatives; he engaged a Jerusalem PR firm to develop a plan that might help turn the tide, founded The Mozuud Freedom Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, to campaign for the rights of persecuted minorities in the Middle East and the rights of Jews in Israel, and other just causes. He provided significant funds to support the Canadian Antisemitism Education Foundation and served as President and CEO for several years. He continues to focus on AntiZionism -- the new Antisemitism, along with Debunking the Palestinian myth of the Occupation, and is Co-Chair of Canadians for Israel's Legal Rights.
Sean Egan, Director
Sean was born in Toronto, and grew up in Winnipeg. He has a B.Sc. and PhD from the University of Manitoba. He did a postdoctoral fellowship at the Whitehead Institute/MIT and then spent a year studying in London, England at the Imperial Cancer Research Fund/London Research Institute before joining SickKids Hospital in 1993 as a research scientist.
Sean’s work is focused on identifying the network of mutations that cooperate to induce cancer in cells from several organs. design combination therapies, which should be more effective than single agent therapy. His personal interests include studying history, specifically the history of the Jewish people, for as he states, “I am not Jewish, but I find their story to be inspiring.”
Sean is an active member of the Board of Directors and the Steering Committee of CAEF.
Carrie Katz, Director
Carrie Katz was president of both Ort Toronto and Ort Canada.
A former Montrealer, she was the founding member of Montreal Career Women’s Network as well as co-chair of Taste of the Nation.
Carrie was co owner of Origami Plus.
Judith Weinroth, Director
Judith Weinroth, BSc, MSc, MD was born, raised and educated in Toronto. She is retired from a gratifying career as a GP Oncologist and Psychotherapist.
Her love of Judaism and Israel was nurtured by her parents Rebbetzin Laura z’l and Rabbi Erwin Schild, and by her teachers at the Associated Hebrew Day School and the Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto, where she was a member of the first graduating class.
Judith has been a volunteer for many organizations, highlighted by her serving several terms as a member of the Board of Governors and Executive of Adath Israel Congregation. Judith has joined CAEF because of her concern about growing antisemitism and anti-Zionism locally and world-wide. She wants to do her part to ensure that her 10 grandchildren will grow up in a safe society where they can be proud Jews and Zionists.
Charles Cooke, Director
A lawyer with many years experience working both in the corporate and private law firm environment conducting litigation in various matters including breaches of contract, business partnership disputes commercial /contractual, personal injury, real estate and family matters. Charles has a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from McGill Law School and a Master’s Degree in Law from Osgoode Hall at York University.
He obtained a Post-graduate Certificate in Government Relations from Seneca College @York University in 2020 and a Certificate in Public Relations from the PR Council of America in 2021.
Currently he is a senior associate at S. Mannella Professional Corporation practicing construction and commercial litigation.
Fern Quint, Director
Fern has been a registered nurse for 50 years specializing in mental health. She also worked as a community health care co-ordinator for individuals with severe physical and cognitive impairments. Fern has been a past presenter at conferences and organizations discussing various mental health topics. She is committed to helping people lead a more satisfying and meaningful life. She has created and facilitated ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) support groups for individuals and parents. Fern is a contributing author to the book Children, Youth and Adults with Asperger Syndrome, and has several other publications. Fern has retired from her hospital work as a crisis nurse, and currently has a private practice providing psychotherapy. Her areas of practice include ASD, anxiety, depression, self – esteem and general life issues.
Fern joined CAEF because she wants to participate in the fight against the pervasive increase of antisemitism and anti-Zionism.
Michael Baigel, Director
Michael Baigel moved to Canada from Manchester, England in 2000 and became a Canadian in 2007. He left the UK in part to escape rampant antisemitism in politics, media, academia, on the streets, professions, culture and social interactions. Since he emigrated to Canada, hatred of Jews has advanced significantly and overtly. Therefore, he joined the Board of CAEF to provide some insight on the UK Jewish experience in the hope that it may assist in the attempt to hold back the deluge of hatred and falsehoods that are engulfing the Jews of Canada.
Michael is a federally Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT), Canada; a Chartered Insolvency and Restructuring Professional (CIRP), Canada; a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales; a Fellow of the Insolvency Practitioners Association (UK) and has a BA (Honours) degree in Economics. He assists small and family owned businesses suffering financial distress.
Jeff Dorfman, Treasurer
Jeff is a former Vancouverite and graduate of UBC. He is a businessman, and Director of a company that specializes in foreign currency exchange. Jeff has a passion for Judaism and Zionism, and has imbued this in his children. He joined CAEF in 2021 and is eager to help educate the next generation to feel as he does and to defend Israel and combat antisemitism.
Michael Teper, Member
Michael Teper is a Toronto non-practicing lawyer who works as a US tax advisor with one of Canada's largest professional services firms. He came to Jewish community and Israel advocacy in the wake of the TDSB mailout affair in May 2021. Michael holds law and business degrees from the University of Toronto, is a member of the Ontario and New York bars, and is US a Certified Public Accountant (Illinois). He also has an Diploma in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music.
Andria Spindel, M.S.W., LLD, Honoris Causa, joined the organization in January 2019, to provide professional services in governance and management. Andria has over 40 years experience as an executive in nonprofit charitable organizations and will help develop a strategic direction for the organization, enhance board development, and work with our Steering Committee and other committees to bring interesting and innovative programs to our community.
EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS
Fighting antisemitism and other ethnic hatreds through education has been the overarching mission since CAEF’s inception in 2004. This is addressed by presenting expert speakers for public and for private events. Speakers cover a host of topics, from the history of the Jewish state and the legal rights of the Jewish people, to free speech, the rule of law, persecution of minorities, and the Palestinian Arab lies about an “Occupation” – sometimes referring to the West Bank and sometimes referring to all of Israel.
Since 2020, CAEF has presented dozens of Web Talks with outstanding experts, on a variety of themes, and all were recorded and are available on this website at:….. Themes ranged from The Virus of Antisemitism, exploring Jew hatred in several countries; to Unapologetic Zionism, with speakers from different communities and faiths; to Fighting Back, Responses to Jew Hatred.
Private sponsorship has enabled the range of Web Talks to grow as has the wonderful and multitudinous NGO partners and co-sponsors. See our partners on this website
Hineni, Reaching out to Jewish Social Workers
Under the Direction of Dr. Annette Poizner, this initiative has been designed to provide support for Jewish social work students and practitioners, given the complexity of practising social work/studying social work in a highly politicized environment. There are several components of this project:
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A survey will be administered to Canadian universities with social work programs, specifically for the purpose of assessing whether and when antisemitism is included in the social work curriculum. A report will be prepared based on the findings.
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A facilitated Facebook group for Jews in social work has been launched as a means of auditing experiences of social workers and social work students, local and abroad; also, to provide a forum for mutual support, as a venue for sharing/reporting readings and as a hub for discussion and social activism. This group is particularly oriented to challenges getting antisemitism included into the social work curriculum and DEI trainings.
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A pilot qualitative research project will examine the experiences of Jewish social work students studying in Canadian universities, as well as recent graduates, gathering first-hand information about their experiences in relation to their Jewish identities. Participants will be surveyed and/or interviewed in order to generate data that will help provincial and national social work organizations understand the current plight of Jewish social work students. All data collected will protect the privacy and maintain anonymity of participants.
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A community petition is being circulated which calls upon social work organizations and educational bodies to ensure that antisemitism is included whenever anti-racism training is offered or undertaken, in the context of social work school or in workshops/trainings offered in the community.
For more information, click here, or contact Stacey Love Goldstein at research@caef.ca
Investigating UNRWA- The Documentary Project
CAEF has partnered with the Nahum Bedein Center for Near East Policy Research to fund trail-blazing filming of events inside UNRWA-operated refugee camps, and to produce films that reveal the truth about the teaching of Jew hatred and violence in UNRWA schools and the training of terrorists at summer camps operated by UNRWA, both approved by the Palestinian Authority in the disputed territories and Hamas in Gaza.
The documentary project goes inside the classroom, the summer camps and alongside street events to capture live information on film, demonstrating both the abuse of Arab children, the disregard for the United Nations code of ethics and the required neutrality and messages of peaceful co-existence required by many donor countries, and the dangers to Israelis.
Advancing Israel’s Legal Rights
From 2019-2022, Canadians for Israel’s Legal Rights (CILR) operated under the auspices of CAEF, educating Jewish youth and the general public about Israel’s legal rights under international law. This effort included promoting the publication produced by the late Salomon Benzimra, a co-founder in 2009 of CILR, The Jewish People’s Rights to the Land of Israel.
Co-Chairs Goldi Steiner and Irving Weisdorf, produced several live and then virtual programs since the COVID era began. Additionally, CILR produces an e-bulletin and educational webinars.
In 2021, CILR incorporated as the Benzimra Foundation, and continues to promote Israel’s rights, to debunk the “occupation” lie and to support important initiatives in Israel such as the creation of an annual day to commemorate the San Remo Conference and Declaration.
For more information go to cilr.org or contact Goldi Steiner at goldi@israelslegalrights.org
Canadians for Balfour 100 and “The Reality of the Impossible Dream”
2017 was the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, which led to the first step by the British in the reconstitution of Israel as the Jewish State, the recognition that Israel was historically the Jewish homeland. The San Remo Declaration followed in 1920 at the San Remo Conference of the Victorious Allied Powers, and confirmed that the Mandate for Palestine, held by Britain, was to lead to the formation of the renewed Jewish country.
CAEF was blessed to enlist the services of the playwright and producer, Reva Stern to create a production that told the story and celebrate the event of November 2, 2017. The project resulted in the dramatization of the history of the Jewish people, in a musical production that was presented several times in Toronto.
Canadians for Balfour 100 was the name of the project through which funding was secured.